Evening primrose oil, black currant oil.
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: Evening Primrose Oil
From: drweed.delphi.com (Duane Weed, D.C.)
Date: 31 May 1995 23:50:27 GMT
Graham Sorenson <heron.mars.superlink.net> writes:
>> drweed.delphi.com (Duane Weed, D.C.) wrote:
>> > Black currant oil is an excellent substitute for Evening Primrose oil.
>> That's good because I've heard that Evening Primrose Oil is one of the supplements/herbal remedies now under attack by the FDA.
>Details please!
>Evening Primrose oil must be good then (g)
Evening Primrose oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid, better known as GLA, which is a precusor of an important family of substances collectively known as prostaglandins. Claims that have been made for GLA, include:
- Combats arthritis--there is strong evidence for this supported by a double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported in 1988 dealing specifically with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Protects against cardiovascular disease, research is scanty. More research needed.
- Fights cancer, again research is far from sufficient.
- Helpful in skin disorders (it makes a good moisturizer)
- Useful in PMS, again research is lacking, but I know of several women who claim that it helps them a lot.
- Helpful in psychiatric and neurologic disorders--again research is scanty.
According to S S Hendler, MD, PhD, in The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, there is no evidence that Evening Primrose oil is toxic or carcinogenic. It has been suggested (not proven) that it may have an adverse effect on those suffering from epilepsy and manic disorders. The FDA has banned its internal use. Several companies still make the product for external use. Some people buy this product and take it internally. As I stated above, black current oil is a good substitute for Evening
Primrose Oil. A typical capsule of black current oil contains more GLA than Evening Primrose oil. I know of at least one herbalist who claims that black current oil is also good for treating yeast infections. I don't know if the same can be said for Evening Primrose Oil.
From: demelza.netcom.com (Miss Carne)
Drofa (aford.bnr.ca) wrote:
: What is Evening Primrose Oil beneficial for?
Evening Primrose Oil has been a tremendous help to me in managing the symptoms of endometriosis. The intensity of the cramping I experience is almost unbearable, and after having read a lot about how much success some women have had with EPO, I tried it. I was rather skeptical at first, but I figured it couldn't hurt. After about 6 weeks, I noticed a surprising improvement in the next cycle's cramping, so I've become a believer! I take 2600 mg/day, and it really does help. My doctor thinks its great that I use it--and my aesthetician says its super for my skin--really helps combat dryness!
From: wolffdance.aol.com (Joanna)
I use Evening Primrose Oil combined with Fish Body Oils in the treatment of fybromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome. For some reason, it helps a lot with the pain in my legs and with overall energy.
From: cigolott.nbnet.nb.ca
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose oil is rich in an essential fatty acid called Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).
The more GLA in the Evening Primrose Oil supplements, the more effective it is.
GLA is converted in the body to prostaglandins.
The presence of Alpha Linolenic Acid inhibits the utilization of GLA.
Prostaglandins are shortlived hormone-like substances
The Prostaglandins:
- can help in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritits
- reduce the symptoms of PMS
- reduce asthma and eczema
- reduce hyperactivity in children
- reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- reduce risk of heart disease
- strengthens nails
- may help alcoholics overcome brain/liver cell damage.
Clinical trials have found optimum levels of supplementation for conditions:
- PMS: 3-5 x 500 mg daily
- eczema 3-5 x 500 mg daily
- heart disease 4-6 x 500 mg daily
- alcohol 3-5 x 500 mg daily
- rheumatoid arthritis 4-6 x 500 mg daily
To aid the conversion of essential fatty acids to prostaglandins, the following vitamins and minerals are needed: Vit. C, B6, niacin, magnesium, zinc, selenium
Vitamin E should be present in Evening Primrose Oil supplements to prevent oxidation of the oils.
*Note* Different brand names may have varying results based on method of extraction (cold press or hexane).
